4 October 2012
Solid Energy Selects Preferred Bidder For Agri-Business
Solid Energy has selected a consortium led by Southern Packers as preferred bidder for the agribusiness division of
Biodiesel New Zealand.
Solid Energy said in August that as part of its response to the impact on its business of the extremely challenging
global coal market, the company would sell its biodiesel business which operates in two parts – one manufacturing and
marketing biofuel and an agri-business division which contracts with farmers to grow oilseed rape, processes the seed at
its Rolleston oilseed extraction plant and sells the oil into the food industry and meal as animal feed.
If the sale negotiations are successful, Solid Energy expects that the consortium will take over the business in
November. The consortium also includes Midlands Seed, Biodiesel New Zealand’s current agri-business manager and an
agronomist currently contracted to the business.
The consortium’s bid is a going concern offer and their intention is take the oilseed rape industry forward in New
Zealand.
Solid Energy is currently considering bids for Biodiesel New Zealand’s fuel division.
Note: Southern Packers Limited grades, packs and exports onions to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia and also supplies the
local market, here in New Zealand. The company is based in Washdyke, Timaru in South Canterbury. The company also pack
potatoes for export. Southern Packers Ltd. was formed in 1999 when a group of local growers and exporters purchased the
existing packhouse, built in 1998, from Alpine Fresh.
ENDS